We had the good fortune of connecting with ISABELA MILAGRE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ISABELA, what do you attribute your success to?
I feel that our passion for history and Brazil is the key. On Bossa, we truly care about the history behind our collection, presenting the correct attributions, and expanding the number of designers in our portfolio. I feel that our clients; collectors or interior designers, share our passion and appreciate our care about every detail.

And is real, not marketing, I’ve dedicated my life to the research of Brazilian design for the past eight years

What should our readers know about your business?
This is a critical moment in my life; we are about to open a new gallery in the Chelsea Arts District in New York. I’m very happy, but I’m not relaxing or chilling; I’m working, and I’m focused.

The process of finding and leasing the space was very thorough. I’ve been looking for the right place for the past year. With the pandemic, we closed our showroom in NJ (near the Teterboro Airport), and the business became very online.
At that moment, entrepreneurs around the globe faced different business challenges, I guess. But I held myself into the opportunity to improve our online presence. Historical files tripled in size, and our logistics and operational issues are running very well. Today, I can say for sure, if you contact us within 20 days, you will receive your Brazilian vintage piece with white glove delivery. We take care of everything, no matter where you are.
Ah, yes, the New York gallery. Please come meet me in person. We are eager to be near our clients again, talk about Brazilian design, and present stunning pieces.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness, I just moved here!

But I definitely made sure to visit the recently launched MoMA show; it delves into Latin American craftsmanship, featuring twelve Brazilian design pieces and providing a fantastic introduction to my universe. MoMA also exhibits parts of its collection that I adore; there are a few artworks in the world that I love revisiting from time to time, you know? Like that selfie portrait of Frida Kahlo where she represents herself in a very queer manner. It’s a small painting but incredibly powerful. I wish I owned that piece. And I’m also captivated by the universe of René Magritte’s works.

What fills me with energy is seeing Brazilian artists like Tarsila do Amaral, Lygia Clark, and Sonia Gomes showcased at MoMA. It makes me feel seen, like my people’s art and history are being recognized. It’s incredibly fulfilling. I try to visit MoMA regularly.

And after MoMA, perhaps you could seek out Smalls to listen to some jazz; at some point during the night, I’m sure you’ll catch some Bossa Nova sound.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The essential values I carry in my business nowadays are family values. This vintage collectible design is everything about trust.

My grandmother, Iolanda, is essential in my history; she taught me a lot. Since I was five years old, I worked with her in my family packing supplies store; I did everything there, from attention to customers, arranging showcases, cleaning storage, and counting stock to the cashier, and there’s nothing undignified every work, no matter how simple might look, needs to be doing well done. With her, I learned that there is no such thing as more important as client satisfaction because I saw her clients coming and going through the years, always looking for her.

Another great lesson she always taught me was to work first, work hard, and think about the money later.

Website: www.bossafurniture.com

Instagram: isabela.milagre

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-milagre-98ab49140/

Image Credits
Naira Mattia/ Bossa Furniture

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